Theories about Malaria
It took a long time for the connection between malaria and swampy ground to be made.
Medieval beliefs that planet and comets rained down a fever poison or that electrical storms were responsible, had to be overcome first.
During the first half of the nineteenth century it was also believed that dew falling on the decks of ships before sunrise would produce small insects that carried the fever.
It was further thought that preferred targets were of fair complexion and were fond of alcohol.
From the middle ages up until just over 100 years ago, the dominant theory governing malaria transmission concerned the fact that swamp air contained chemical poisons released from rotting wood.
To avoid this, houses were built facing away from wetlands and lakes, and double storey houses were referred as it was thought that the air did not rise much above ground level.
Known in the Middles Ages as ‘the ague’, malaria’s connection with marshy ground was entrenched when it was eventually given the Latin name that means ‘bad air’, i.e. mal’aria.
Theories about Malaria
